I ran the GPS controlled Herzog rock train yesterday, pretty cool. Better than the time i dumped with the RCL. LOL Nice and smooth. Went pretty quick. Wish i could have had a chance to get a better look at the cars to see how the cars were wired up and what not, but we were in a hurry.
Railroad Forums
Herzog rock train
- General discussion about locomotives, rolling stock, and equipment
Moderator: John_Perkowski
Just the cars are Herzog.
The Herzog guy rides the motor next to the cars and with a computer using GPS the cars dump where he tells them to. It works pretty slick.
If anyone has got a close look at these cars, tell me about it.
The Herzog guy rides the motor next to the cars and with a computer using GPS the cars dump where he tells them to. It works pretty slick.
If anyone has got a close look at these cars, tell me about it.
He had a way of telling when a car was empty with his computer, wonder how that works.
All From: www.herzogcompanies.com/rrservices/plus.php
PLUS Train
"PLUS" stands for Programmable Linear Unloading System. In simple terms, a computer survey file is created for each ballast spreading assignment, indicating amount, and using gps coordinates, defines and locates spread ballast and no-spread areas.
High speed ballast spreading 20 mph
Eliminates ground forces
Eliminates potential injuries
Reduces needed work window
Ballast spreading 24 hours per day
Patented unloading system
Increased cycle times
Operated with one Herzog technician
Fully maintained and operated by Herzog
The P.L.U.S. train unloads ballast using a preprogrammed survey linked to global positioning satellites
A floppy disc containing the completed survey file is then loaded into the train's computer which, through the spread enclosure, will open and close the ballast doors, spreading exact amounts, at precise locations based on the survey. The software also gives the train's exact location and speed, satellite availability, active ballast cars, empty cars and ballast inventory.
Since no ground personnel are required, the "PLUS" train is capable of night and inclement weather spreading assignments. This greatly reduces the potential of injury and exposure to ballast dust. Additional benefits of the "PLUS" system include a reduction in ballast costs and railroad overhead fewer locomotives, train crews and ballast cars are required, and a reduction in fuel use is yet another benefit.
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The only thing i saw wrong up there was: A floppy disc containing the completed survey file is then loaded into the train's computer.
A labtop computer is plugged into the cars and the HERZOG guy sits in the trailing motor and watches the program run. And the fewer locomotives part and the train crew part, they ment to say track crews.
PLUS Train
"PLUS" stands for Programmable Linear Unloading System. In simple terms, a computer survey file is created for each ballast spreading assignment, indicating amount, and using gps coordinates, defines and locates spread ballast and no-spread areas.
High speed ballast spreading 20 mph
Eliminates ground forces
Eliminates potential injuries
Reduces needed work window
Ballast spreading 24 hours per day
Patented unloading system
Increased cycle times
Operated with one Herzog technician
Fully maintained and operated by Herzog
The P.L.U.S. train unloads ballast using a preprogrammed survey linked to global positioning satellites
A floppy disc containing the completed survey file is then loaded into the train's computer which, through the spread enclosure, will open and close the ballast doors, spreading exact amounts, at precise locations based on the survey. The software also gives the train's exact location and speed, satellite availability, active ballast cars, empty cars and ballast inventory.
Since no ground personnel are required, the "PLUS" train is capable of night and inclement weather spreading assignments. This greatly reduces the potential of injury and exposure to ballast dust. Additional benefits of the "PLUS" system include a reduction in ballast costs and railroad overhead fewer locomotives, train crews and ballast cars are required, and a reduction in fuel use is yet another benefit.
-----------------------------
The only thing i saw wrong up there was: A floppy disc containing the completed survey file is then loaded into the train's computer.
A labtop computer is plugged into the cars and the HERZOG guy sits in the trailing motor and watches the program run. And the fewer locomotives part and the train crew part, they ment to say track crews.
The floppy is just a backup. The surveys can be downloaded from the company, or if you did the survey it is already in the computer.
Thats crazy there GN. I do turn around service when it comes to work trains so about 50% of the time i get to see the work we just did. I was amazed on how nice it dumped at the switches, bridges, and crossings. Maybe the mountains where you work throw the GPS off a bit buddy.